Jerry Zbornik

Jerry Zbornik age 76 of Decorah, IA (formerly of Waterloo, IA) passed away on Monday, November 25, 2024, at WinnMed in Decorah surrounded by family. A small memorial service will be held for Jerry at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at the Garden of Memories Cemetery & Mausoleum, 3669 Logan Ave, Waterloo, IA 50703 with full military rites. A celebration of life will follow the service from 12:00 until 3:00 p.m. at the American Legion, 728 Commercial Street in Waterloo. Jerry was born on February 4, 1948, in West Union, IA, the son of Layton and Iva (Mabb) Zbornik. Jerry attended Evansdale and Waterloo Community Schools where he graduated from East High School in 1967. After high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served his country honorably in the Vietnam War. After returning from the war, Jerry was employed at Titus Manufacturing for a short time and then was employed at John Deere in Waterloo for thirty-one years before retiring in 2001. After retirement, he enjoyed working at Friendship Village taking patients to their doctor appointments and mowing the lawns. He will be remembered by his big boisterous voice and his giant presence. You always knew when he was in the room or at the ballgame. Jerry married Sharon (Woodley) Zbornik on March 26, 1976, in Galena, Illinois. He was a die hard Green Bay Packers fan and an Iowa Football fan. Jerry was a lifetime member of Cedar Falls Amvets, a member of the Elks Club, and a member of the American Legion, and Smittys Bar. He loved spending time with family and friends. His response when someone would ask him how he was doing was “Better than I deserve” or “I’m vertical”. We can all imagine him in Heaven ……. drinking a cold one, handing out milk bones to all the dogs and popsicles to all the children. He had such a loud and quiet way of showing his love to so many! Jerry is survived by his bride (as he always referred to her) of 48 years, Sharon. Three children: Tiffani Fratzke of Cedar Rapids, IA; Jennifer (Eric) Shelton, Decorah, IA and Joshua (Jill) Zbornik, Jesup, IA. Seven grandchildren: Alexa (Michael) Suarez of Decorah, IA; Ellyson (Coleton) Hout, Fort Dodge, IA; Drake Shelton (Ellie) of Decorah, IA; Avery Shelton (Briggs) of Decorah, IA; Austyn, Alayna and Addisyn Zbornik of Jesup, IA. Four great grandchildren: Michael, Matthew, Sophia and Max Suarez. Sister: Nancy Zbornik, Waterloo, IA. Sisters-in-law: Janice (Jeff) Kohlmeyer and Rhonda (Rick) Langland of Waukon, IA. Brothers-in-law: Michael (Betsy) Woodley, Des Moines, IA; Danny (Barb) Woodley, Waterloo, IA and Brian (Jana) Woodley, Waterloo, IA along with several nieces and nephews, and so many close friends he considered family. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother: Layton Zbornik Jr.